Sunday, June 7, 2009

Quest for the Ultimate Shot of Espresso.

Over the last twelve or so months, I've gained a deeper appreciation for Espresso (Yes, pronounced Ess-press-o. NOT Ex-Press-O). This appreciation has inspired me to recreate this delicious beverage in the comfort of my own home.Espresso is unlike other beverages. Espresso is a product of the 9-bar sub-steam temperature water extraction of finely ground coffee, tamped into a puck with 55lbs of pressure. Without an espresso machine, espresso would not exist. Yes, you can get close with a French Press, but I daresay that such a device does not produce espresso.In order to create expresso, one must possess an adequate espresso machine and grinder.The day I returned from Costa Rica, I stopped by Wal-Mart and purchased myself a GE Espresso machine and a Blade Grinder. Both of these items are considered severely sub-par and inadequate for espresso production. After producing faux-spresso for the last three weeks, I've decided to return my espresso machine to Wal-Mart.Woot so happened to offer a Starbucks Sireno Espresso machine that retails for $400 for $204 including shipping. Woot.com offered this offer, of course, on my birthday. So I bought it.My new machine should arrive in the next coupla days. Today I picked up a Cuisinart burr grinder for an additional $50. Many espresso experts reccommend grinders in the $300 range, but this is simply not an option with my current income.So we'll see how my quest turns out. Will I be rewarded with a hot, viscous, sweet shot of espresso, brimming with crema, or will I fail miserably and recieve black gunk that has only been seen in Organic Lab.Next Sunday, We'll find out.

2 comments:

Ha, I remember one time when you asked me which pronunciation was correct, because so many people in the coffee shop were saying it wrong.

Also, what I really want to hear is a chronicle of your first experience cleaning the espresso machine. We use one at work that has to be cleaned nightly, and oh, is it gross... I think that's part of the reason I've come to the conclusion that I'm just not a coffee person.